IT might only have been a Nissan Micra with 02 plates, but for Gayna Clark it was a lifeline to her family.

She rarely goes out except to visit relatives, particularly her two sisters in Ardrossan and Saltcoats.

But on a Friday morning earlier this month, Gayna and her daughter Steph were woken around 2.30am by banging at the door as a couch had been set on fire on Richmond Street in Whitecrook.

The flames engulfed the area, which is still charred black along with wood fencing.

But they spread to Gayna's little Micra destroying it. Police are investigating and have appealed for witnesses to the December 9 attack.

Gayna was devastated and retreated to her room.

Steph posted a message on Facebook about what happened and, in true Christmas miracle style, she got a message from Mary Collatin. By 11pm on Friday night, Mary called and woke her son, Michael Reilly, who owns the JLC garage in Alexandria.

And on Saturday, Mary picked up Gayna, drove her doon the Clyde and presented her with a car.

Mary, born and raised a Bankie, is modest about her good samaritan act, pointing out it's just a Nissan Primera with 05 plates.

But to Gayna, it's a limousine.

"My life is getting stuck in this house," explained mum-of-three Gayna, 53. "My car is my lief, my legs. I'm not very sociable with people. Steph was raging and put it on Facebook. And god answered my prayers.

"I couldn't believe someone would do that for me. I still don't believe it.

"I went to sleep on Friday with no car and wake up and someone actually give me a car and didn't want anything for it. It was as if I won the lottery.

"Mary doesn't know what she's done for me."

JLC hosted a fireworks show for Bonfire Night last month and donated the proceeds of £2,157 to St Margaret of Scotland Hospice and showing generosity might be a family trait.

"I just sent a message and said you're welcome to that car and I will take you down," explained Mary, 64.

"The look on your face," she tells Gayna, "it was like total relief that you had your independence back.

"I couldn't function without my car - I have an artificial leg and rely on the car. I really did nothing."

"You answered my prayers," replies Gayna. "You don't understand what you have done for me. She's like my guardian angel."

Mary, a mum of two and Parkhall resident, said the former strangers now have a new friendship.

"It was the right thing to do," said Mary. "I just happened to be in the right place at the right time to see the Facebook message."

"It's the best Christmas gift ever," added Gayna.